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Understanding Pitru Paksha 2026: Complete Shradh Tithi Calendar and Key Dates

By Lakshay Sharma | On 14 September, 2026 | Views

Pitru Paksha is one of the most important periods in the Hindu calendar for remembering, honouring, and offering prayers to departed ancestors. During these sacred days, families perform Shradh, Tarpan, Pind Daan, prayers, charitable activities, and traditional food offerings as a way of expressing gratitude and respect for their Pitru, or ancestors.

For families planning their annual ancestral observances, knowing the correct Shradh Tithi is particularly important. In 2026, the Shradh period begins with Purnima Shradh on September 26 and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10.

This complete guide explains the Pitru Paksha 2026 dates, how to identify the correct Shradh Tithi for a departed family member, and how to plan your ancestral observances accurately.

What Is Pitru Paksha?

Pitru Paksha, also known as Shradh Paksha, is a sacred fortnight dedicated to remembering and honouring ancestors. According to Hindu traditions, families use this period to express gratitude toward previous generations and perform rituals for their spiritual well-being.

One of the most important aspects of Pitru Paksha is that Shradh is generally performed according to the lunar Tithi on which a person passed away.

For example, if a family member passed away on Krishna Navami, their annual Shradh is generally observed on Navami Tithi during Pitru Paksha.

This means that the English calendar date of death is not necessarily the date on which Shradh should be performed every year. Since lunar Tithis change from year to year, families need to check the Panchang for the appropriate year's dates.

Pitru Paksha 2026: Complete Shradh Tithi Calendar

Here is the complete Shradh Tithi calendar for 2026:

Date	Day	Shradh Tithi / Observance
September 26, 2026	Saturday	Purnima Shradh
September 27, 2026	Sunday	Pratipada Shradh
September 28, 2026	Monday	Dwitiya Shradh
September 29, 2026	Tuesday	Tritiya Shradh / Maha Bharani
September 30, 2026	Wednesday	Chaturthi & Panchami Shradh
October 1, 2026	Thursday	Shashthi Shradh
October 2, 2026	Friday	Saptami Shradh
October 3, 2026	Saturday	Ashtami Shradh
October 4, 2026	Sunday	Navami Shradh / Avidhava Navami
October 5, 2026	Monday	Dashami Shradh
October 6, 2026	Tuesday	Ekadashi Shradh
October 7, 2026	Wednesday	Dwadashi Shradh / Magha Shradh
October 8, 2026	Thursday	Trayodashi Shradh
October 9, 2026	Friday	Chaturdashi Shradh
October 10, 2026	Saturday	Sarva Pitru Amavasya

Important Note About September 30

An important feature of the 2026 Pitru Paksha calendar is that Chaturthi and Panchami Shradh fall on the same date, September 30.

Therefore, families should not assume that every Tithi will correspond to one separate calendar date. Tithi calculations depend on the lunar calendar, and occasionally two Tithis can fall on the same day.

This is why checking the actual Panchang is important when planning Shradh.

How to Find the Correct Shradh Date for Your Ancestor

The first step is to find the death Tithi of the family member whose Shradh you wish to perform.

If your family records, previous Panchang notes, or priest's records mention the person's Tithi, you can use that information to find the corresponding 2026 Shradh date.

For example:

Dwitiya Tithi → September 28, 2026
Tritiya Tithi → September 29, 2026
Shashthi Tithi → October 1, 2026
Saptami Tithi → October 2, 2026
Ashtami Tithi → October 3, 2026
Navami Tithi → October 4, 2026
Dashami Tithi → October 5, 2026
Ekadashi Tithi → October 6, 2026
Dwadashi Tithi → October 7, 2026
Trayodashi Tithi → October 8, 2026
Chaturdashi Tithi → October 9, 2026

The key point is simple: Shradh is determined by the lunar Tithi, not simply by the Gregorian date of death.

What If the Death Tithi Is Unknown?

Many families may not have complete records of an ancestor's date or Tithi of death. In such cases, Sarva Pitru Amavasya holds particular importance.

In 2026, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 10. It is the concluding day of Pitru Paksha and is traditionally observed to honour ancestors, particularly when their specific Shradh Tithi is unknown or when their annual Shradh could not be performed on the appropriate Tithi.

Families can use this day to remember their ancestors through prayers, Tarpan, food offerings, charity, and other customary observances.

Special Shradh Observances in 2026

Along with the regular Tithi-based Shradh days, several special observances occur during Pitru Paksha.

Maha Bharani is observed on September 29, 2026. Bharani Nakshatra is traditionally considered significant for ancestral rituals.

Avidhava Navami falls on October 4, 2026, and is traditionally associated with remembering certain female ancestors according to family customs.

Magha Shradh falls on October 7, 2026.

The significance and method of observing these special days can differ between families and regional traditions. Therefore, families following specific customs should consult their family priest for appropriate guidance.

How to Plan Your Family's Shradh

Once you identify the correct Tithi, planning the observance in advance can make the process easier and more meaningful.

First, confirm the ancestor's death Tithi from family records or previous Shradh information. Next, check the corresponding 2026 date and confirm the Tithi and ritual timing according to your local Panchang.

You may then arrange the necessary puja materials, food preparations, priestly services, and charitable activities.

Traditional Shradh observances can include:

Offering water through Tarpan.
Preparing traditional food for ancestral offerings.
Performing Pind Daan according to family tradition.
Offering prayers and remembering departed family members.
Feeding Brahmins or those in need, where customary.
Donating food, clothes, or other useful items.
Spending time remembering the values and teachings of one's ancestors.

The exact rituals can vary according to regional customs, family traditions, and the guidance of a priest.

Why Tithi Matters in Pitru Paksha

One of the most common mistakes families make is assuming that the Shradh date remains the same every year.

For instance, an ancestor may have passed away on a particular date in September according to the English calendar. However, their Hindu death Tithi may correspond to a different Gregorian date in the following year.

This happens because the Hindu lunar calendar and the Gregorian calendar follow different systems.

Therefore, families should record the Tithi, Paksha, lunar month, and other relevant details whenever possible. Keeping these records can make it much easier for future generations to perform the appropriate Shradh.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pitru Paksha 2026

Q1. When does Pitru Paksha 2026 begin and end?

Ans: Pitru Paksha 2026 begins with Purnima Shradh on September 26, 2026, and concludes with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10, 2026. Families perform ancestral rituals according to the relevant lunar Tithi during this period.

Q2. How do I find the correct Shradh date for an ancestor in 2026?

Ans: The correct Shradh date is generally determined by the Hindu lunar Tithi on which the person passed away. Find the deceased person's death Tithi and match it with the corresponding Tithi in the 2026 Pitru Paksha calendar. The Gregorian date may change from year to year.

Q3. What should I do if I do not know my ancestor's death Tithi?

Ans: If the exact death Tithi is unknown, Sarva Pitru Amavasya is traditionally considered an important day for remembering and offering prayers for ancestors. In 2026, Sarva Pitru Amavasya falls on October 10.

4. Why can two Shradh Tithis fall on the same date?

Ans: Hindu Tithis are based on the lunar calendar rather than fixed 24-hour periods. As a result, a Tithi can begin or end during a calendar day, and occasionally two Tithis may be observed on the same Gregorian date. In 2026, Chaturthi and Panchami Shradh fall on September 30.

Q5. What are the main rituals performed during Pitru Paksha?

Ans: Common Pitru Paksha observances include Tarpan, Pind Daan, prayers, food offerings, charitable donations, and remembrance of departed ancestors. The specific rituals and customs may vary according to family traditions, regional practices, and guidance from a family priest.

Final Thoughts

Pitru Paksha is not simply a period of rituals; it is a time for families to remember their roots and express gratitude to the generations who came before them.

In 2026, Pitru Paksha observances begin with Purnima Shradh on September 26 and conclude with Sarva Pitru Amavasya on October 10. By understanding the Tithi system and identifying the correct date for each ancestor, families can plan their observances with greater confidence and care.

Remember that Tithi timings can vary according to location, and traditional practices may differ between families and regions. It is always advisable to confirm the final Tithi and ritual timing with a reliable local Panchang or knowledgeable family priest.

At Harishyam Arts, we believe that understanding our traditions helps us preserve them for future generations. May Pitru Paksha 2026 be a meaningful time of remembrance, gratitude, devotion, and respect for every family and its ancestral heritage.

Harishyam Arts

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

Harishyam Arts | Jaipur

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